Laptop won't start when Ubuntu SSD is unplugged - move grub

2 min read 20-10-2024

the ifix

Laptop won't start when Ubuntu SSD is unplugged - move grub

If you've recently faced the frustrating issue of your laptop not starting when the Ubuntu SSD is unplugged, you're not alone. This problem often arises due to the configuration of the GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader), which is responsible for booting your operating system. Understanding how to move GRUB and resolve this issue is crucial for a smooth computing experience.

Understanding the Problem

The original problem can be summarized as follows:

"Laptop won't start when Ubuntu SSD is unplugged - move grub."

This can be rephrased for clarity: "My laptop fails to boot when the Ubuntu SSD is disconnected. How can I relocate the GRUB bootloader to enable booting from another drive?"

The Scenario

You have a laptop with multiple storage devices, including an SSD containing Ubuntu. When you unplug this SSD, your laptop does not start, which indicates that GRUB is currently installed solely on the Ubuntu SSD. This configuration prevents other bootable drives from being recognized at startup.

Analyzing the Situation

Why Does This Happen?

GRUB is a powerful bootloader that allows you to select which operating system to boot when you power on your computer. When GRUB is installed on the SSD that is removed, the laptop cannot find the bootloader and fails to start.

Moving GRUB

To ensure your laptop can boot without the Ubuntu SSD, you need to install GRUB on another drive (like your primary HDD or an additional SSD) or create a multi-boot setup that includes a fallback option.

Steps to Move GRUB

Here's a step-by-step guide to relocating GRUB to your primary drive:

Boot from Live USB: Start your laptop using a Live USB of Ubuntu. This will allow you to work on your system without booting from the SSD.
Open Terminal: Once in the Live session, open the terminal application by searching for "Terminal" in the dashboard.
Identify the Drives: Use the command below to identify your drives:
```
sudo fdisk -l
```
Look for your main hard drive (it may be labeled as /dev/sda, /dev/sdb, etc.).
Mount the Target Drive: Mount the drive where you want to install GRUB. For example:
```
sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt
```
Replace /dev/sda1 with your drive’s actual partition.
Install GRUB: Now, install GRUB to the mounted drive:
```
sudo grub-install --root-directory=/mnt /dev/sda
```
Replace /dev/sda with the actual drive (not partition) you intend to use.
Update GRUB Configuration: Generate a new GRUB configuration file:
```
sudo update-grub
```
Reboot: Finally, unmount the drive and reboot your laptop to check if the issue is resolved:
```
sudo umount /mnt
sudo reboot
```

Practical Example

Let’s say your laptop has an HDD as the main drive and an SSD where Ubuntu is installed. By following the steps above and installing GRUB on the HDD, you should now be able to boot your laptop with or without the SSD connected.

Conclusion

Resolving the issue of your laptop not starting when the Ubuntu SSD is unplugged involves moving the GRUB bootloader to another drive. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that your laptop has the flexibility to boot from various drives, enhancing its usability and reliability.

Additional Resources

For further reading on GRUB installation and troubleshooting, consider the following resources:

By following this guide, you can eliminate the inconvenience of a non-booting laptop and enjoy a seamless transition between your storage devices.